Hey guys i am about to redo my stairs and am going to use red oak stair treads and stain them. my issue is with the risers, i want to paint them white and was wondering what other wood can i use as to cut cost. since i want to paint them i dont want to spend on a good type of wood just to cover it. any suggestions welcome

plowboy

11-10-2011 08:27 PM

If covering existing riser. Use underlayment such as Ultraply. 1/4 inch thick 5 ply birch. Primer before painting. Ultraply is a good solid underlayment with a lifetime warranty.

BigJim

11-10-2011 08:53 PM

If you are installing new risers you can use 3/4 inch plywood or Poplar, I don't like using pine as some pines don't hold the paint well because of the resin. On the plywood, if you plant to use it, I would go with a Birch as it will paint well and look good.